RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA — West Coast Thunder Foundation has announced the return of the annual West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride after a three-year hiatus due to restrictions surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic. The ride, which honors the brave men and women who have fought and died in service to the United States of America, will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2023.
“It is my pleasure to announce the much-awaited return of the West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride on May 29, 2023,” said Jackson Dodd, Executive Director of West Coast Thunder Foundation. “We are eager to unite the community once again for a memorable and meaningful celebration of our veterans’ valor and sacrifice.”
The West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride is an event that brings people together to honor and remember the sacrifices made by veterans. It is an opportunity for everyone to show their support and appreciation for those who have served.
“Our team has been working diligently with government officials to allow the return of this annual event,” Dodd continued. “We are grateful to the many people working behind the scenes at the State, County, and City levels for their efforts in making West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride a reality in 2023.”
Registration is now open at westcoastthunder.com. The ride will stage at Riverside Harley-Davidson (7688 Indiana Avenue, Riverside) and proceed by police escort to Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium (500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore).
“We have implemented several enhancements to this year’s event operations,” Dodd added. “To improve convenience and efficiency, we have introduced paperless registration with tap to pay, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. We have also reorganized the staging area and modified the route to enhance the safety and enjoyment of our riders.”
The foundation also noted there will be an expanded variety of food options with an increased number of concession stands and food trucks available throughout the Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium. To further enhance accessibility and ease, more entry points have been added to the venue.
For live entertainment, country artist Michael Austin returns as the opening act and the renowned Journey tribute band, DSB, will headline.
“We are confident that these upgrades will provide our attendees with an exceptional and enjoyable experience,” Dodd said.
West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride has grown year-over-year, bringing more than 10,000 riders and spectators to Riverside, many lining the streets to watch the parade travel through the city. The foundation is dedicated to funding the American Indian Veterans Memorial, which broke ground in 2020.
For more information, please visit westcoastthunder.com.
About West Coast Thunder Foundation: West Coast Thunder Foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds through community outreach, including organizing the country’s largest motorcycle ride every Memorial Day. Proceeds from all West Coast Thunder Foundation events benefit monument construction and other ancillary services at Riverside National Cemetery via Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee.
Since 2000, West Coast Thunder Foundation has been the major contributor of funds to Riverside National Cemetery, the largest in the United States National Cemetery System. The foundation has begun funding the construction of the American Indian Veterans Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery, which broke ground in 2020. Past projects have included the construction of the National POW / MIA Memorial (dedicated in 2005), repairs to the Medal of Honor Memorial, financial support to the Riverside National Cemetery Memorial Honor Detail, and funding for the “Concert for Heroes” every July.
About Riverside National Cemetery: Now covering 1,250 acres, Riverside National Cemetery is the largest and busiest cemetery managed by the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. The cemetery was established in 1976 through the transfer of 740 acres from March Air Force Base. The cemetery was dedicated and opened for burials on November 11, 1978.
About Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee: Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide upkeep and support to the Riverside National Cemetery. They provide activities for veterans, their families and friends, and the community. The committee also raises funds to create monuments, purchases needed equipment, and provides services for events and the dedicated staff that works at Riverside National Cemetery.
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